DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 2 August 1917, Page 18

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent. > July 26. An enjoyable social gathering was held on Wednesday evening, July 25, in St. Leo's Schoolroom, Devonport. The event was arranged to enable the parishioners to assemble for the purpose of entertaining the Rev. Father O'Brien, and of making a presentation to him prior to leaving the parish on transfer to Ponsonby. Mr. J. P. Wright presided, and expressed the parishioners' regret at Father O'Brien's severance from them. The speaker also referred to the muchappreciated services of Father O'Brien among the people of Devonport to whom he had become greatly endeared. After the Rev. Father O'Brien had appropriately replied, several musical numbers were contributed, and "Auld Lang Syne'' was sung in conclusion. Much merriment was occasioned in Auckland at the plight of that notorious Orange firebrand, Howard Elliott, over a recent, happening. The residence of this individual had been, for some time, it appears, bombarded nightly with stones. Some of these were hurled through the windows with such violence that considerable damage was effected. A state of terror existed in the household. Another "Romish" outrage concluded this peace-disturber. Police protection was sought, and as a result representatives of the force secreted themselves in the vicinity of Elliott's home. Their vigil was soon rewarded. " Three youths were secured red-handed, one of whom, the ringleader, was budding into manhood. Elliott was informed of the capture by the police, and, rubbing his hands in glee, exclaimed: "Thank you so much/officers. Who are they? What are they?" The unwelcome news conveyed by the minions of the law was: "They are the sons of your own parishioners, and two of them are sons of Orangemen." The face of King Billy's disciple was a study. His visions of pabulum for his public meeting in the Town Hall had vanished. Another "Romish outrage" was exploded. Worst of all, this "outrage" was ventilated in the Auckland Police Court, and the whole city was hilarious. ' ,